I Am Legend (9/54) - Harry O. Morris Signed 1/1 Artist Proof Art Prints (2009/2024)

 

Original I Am Legend artwork doesn't come up for sale very often, and those pieces I've been able to acquire are very special items in the Archive. While I have search want lists on auction sites should any vintage pieces materialize (which does happen from time to time, as you'll see before the year is out), I also keep an eye out when new publications are released, in case artwork may be available. 

Artist Harry O. Morris first came to my attention when I saw the illustrations he did for R.C. Matheson's first collection, Scars and Other Distinguishing Marks, from Scream/Press in 1987. He went on to be Richard Matheson's artist of choice on numerous publications through Gauntlet Press. In 2008, Gauntlet published Visions Deferred, containing three unproduced screenplays by Matheson, including his own adaptation of I Am Legend. For the cover, Harry did a piece inspired by Stanley Meltzoff's original artwork for the Gold Medal first edition, with Robert Nevill standing at the rim of the pit. I appreciated the callback, and reached out to Harry to see if I could acquire a print of his digital art. Harry was very accommodating, not only generating and signing the 13" x 19" print; he also designated it AP (Artist Proof) 1 of 1. 

In 2012, Gauntlet released the Matheson screenplay as a standalone volume. Edited by my friend and Matheson scholar Mark Dawidziak, I had the honor of providing cover art and stills (from the adaptations of the novel) from my archive. Harry O. Morris once again provided an alternate take on the Meltzoff cover. Only this time, despite my intentions to do so, I didn't reach out to Harry right away.

Flash forward to 2024. I'm working with R.C. Matheson on an expanded reissue of his third short story collection, Zoopraxis, for which Harry provided the original art. In addition to the new stories, R.C. wanted to include some additional new artwork, and that put me back in touch with Harry after 15 years. I reminded him that I had purchased the first print, and asked if he would be so kind to do the same with the second cover, and he graciously agreed. That makes this the newest addition to the archive to be included amongst this year's celebratory offerings. Also 13" x 19" and signed/designated AP 1/1 so I have a matching pair.

I love how the two pieces complement each other, as well as the original cover to I Am Legend. And I know Harry is pleased to have them alongside the other pieces that reside in the archive.

Check back next week for more from my I Am Legend archive!